New Art Cinema For Ealing

From the same chain opening in Chiswick

Picturehouse Cinemas which is opening in the former Rambert Ballet site in Chiswick has announced that it will open its largest cinema to date at Land Securities’ new Ealing Filmworks development.

The eight screen arthouse cinema is a central element of the £100m scheme and is expected to open in late 2017, with the remainder of the development completing the following year.

Picturehouse says it has plans to create an 'architecturally striking cinema' within its prominent corner position in the development.

They say the 1,000 seat cinema will incorporate the most digitally advanced projection and sound systems 'to ensure the best film experience', and will include a ground floor café-bar, a 'statement' staircase and a bar at first floor.

John Grimes, leasing director at Land Securities, said: “It’s fitting that we are able to bring an arthouse cinema back to Ealing as part of the Filmworks development.

“Restoring the site to its former glory is key to the success of this scheme, and the cultural and leisure hub we are creating will transform the area and reaffirm Ealing’s film heritage.

“Securing a cinema operator is a huge vote of confidence for the scheme and is an important step forward in delivering the development to Ealing.”

Lyn Goleby, Managing Director at Picturehouse Cinemas, said: “We are delighted to have closed a deal with Land Securities for the cinemas and event space in the Ealing Filmworks. This will be an exciting and unique development for the Ealing area.

“The cinema will be created to capture a unique feel and reference the historical context of Ealing as a home of British film. There is huge potential to build on the already diverse and creative mix of uses in the town centre and the development will be a very positive boost for the local economy.”

The new development – designed by TP Bennett – will generate around 350 new jobs.

Julian Bell, leader of Ealing Council, said: “This announcement is great news for Ealing and brings the building of a new cinema and the creation of a fantastic new £100 million leisure quarter even closer.

“The council has been working hard to bring a cinema back to Ealing and the selection of the operator is a very important step towards achieving that. Ealing is synonymous with film and this announcement shows that top quality cinema operators want to be in West London’s fastest developing town centre.”

Land Securities plans to transform the part derelict 2.6 acre site into a 'vibrant leisure and cultural destination' after Ealing Council granted planning consent in December 2013.

The scheme will include a mix of restaurants, cafes, shops, bars and retail units, up to 161 new homes, and will improve pedestrian links between New Broadway, Bond Street and Walpole Park.

The scheme will also feature an outdoor screen and a flexible performance area, with Amphitheatre-style seating.

July 4, 2014